The Master Artisans Team
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The Master Artisans Team -
Oriental Carpets and Rugs
Gaber Ibrahim
Egypt possesses a weaving history that dates to before the Common Era. Examples of Egyptian tapestries and fiatwoven mats have survived from 1500 BCE. A bed cover with symmetrically knotted linen pile was found in the tomb of Kha and dated to 1400 b.c.e. Cut pile rugs were woven in Egypt as early as the pre-Islamic period, in the sixth century. Heavy tapestry weaves were produced in Fustat in the ninth century. The greatest period of Egyptian carpet weaving was during the reign of the Mamluks, when brightly colored rugs with complex geometric designs were woven in Cairo beginning in the latter part of the fifteenth century. In the sixteenth century, during the ottoman period, rugs were woven in in Cairo in Ottoman designs.
“Egyptian rugs have gained international popularity thanks to their unique weaving style and durability”
Centuries of Skilled Copper Craft
Copper crafting is a prominent tradition that flourished during the visually rich Mameluke period witnessing two traditional techniques: drawing (naksh) and engraving (hafr). The skill of inlaying copper or brass with silver or gold (takfeet) is typically shining from that era but continued to develop and grow during the Ottoman period until early 20st century, during these times, every Egyptian household owned a piece of copper art, as symbol of sophistication and elegance.
Many types of vessels and art objects were produced here in Gamaleya - with the dominant aesthetics being those of Islamic art and intricate geometry and meticulous ornamentation. These were often done with simple tools but with great skill and time investment, that of which we are trying to preserve today.
“Some of the copper pieces can take up to 6 months to complete - The time commitment and sheer amount of labor are reflected in the high level of ornamentation and attention to detail and finishing. It requires a lot of copper and silver to create each ornamental object”
Filigree
Sayed Emam
The Fatimid era left a unique and lavish art that has long influenced jewelry production in Egypt: the filigree.
Filigree is a type of intricate metalwork that was frequently used throughout history and ancient times. It is usually made with precious metals such as gold, silver, and copper - the metals are formed into twisted strings or small beads and arranged and welded together into artistic forms and objects. Filigree has often been described as looking like lace due to its very delicate and lightweight look. Gamaleya is proud to have talented Egyptian filigree artisans on its team.
“Filigree is the expression of magnificence and a turning point in Islamic jewelry.”
Wood & Beads
Prince Adel
Egypt is well known for its mother-of-pearl inlaid wooden boxes and inlaid beads, it is not a single man’s work but rather a joint work. Inlaid beads date back to Mamluk era. Used mainly as prayer beads, it could be inlaid with precious metals, semi-precious stones, and mother-of-pearl. Beads can be in different materials, from wood (kuk) to stones, and amber.
The wood and beads department of Gamaleya specializes in the inlaying of metals such as silver and copper, but also semi-precious stones, into both ebony and Kuk wood/coquilla nut. All of this is handmade by our talented craftswomen. The shaped and inlaid wood is then used to make beads for prayer, beads for jewelry, as well as door handles and furniture knobs that can help interiors really come to life.
“Inlaid wood is a typical decorative technique of the Mamluk period and inspired both Europe and the Middle East till today.”
Meet the Instructor/Students of our Workshops
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Farah Adel
Instructor
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Mariam Mohamed
Copper
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Reham Sayed
Copper
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Ruby Essam
Filigree
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Mohamed Hussien
Copper
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Haidy Hussien
Carpets and Rugs
Gamaleya wouldn’t be what it is without its people.
